Republican Bo French faces Democrat Jon Rosenthal and Libertarian Arthur DiBianca for Texas railroad commissioner in the Nov. 3, 2026, election, according to the state’s certified ballot.
Energy regulation
French’s campaign platform calls for reducing regulation on oil and gas operators and expanding production. He argues that greater production would lower household and fuel costs. The reviewed platform does not provide an independent estimate of price effects or identify a complete list of rules he would repeal.
Ownership screening and contracting
French proposes adding screening questions to operator paperwork to identify organizations prohibited under Texas’ restrictions on certain foreign ownership. He also calls for ending contracting criteria he describes as based on diversity, equity and inclusion.
This profile does not repeat his unverified dollar claims about those contracts. The campaign page does not give an administrative cost estimate or detailed enforcement plan for the screening proposal.
He also proposes a credentialing program recognizing oil and gas employers’ family-related policies. The reviewed platform does not specify the standards, staffing or funding that program would require.
What the office controls
Despite its name, the Railroad Commission of Texas regulates oil and natural gas activities, pipeline safety and other specified energy matters. It does not regulate railroads.
French would hold one of three commission seats. Changes would have to comply with governing statutes and applicable commission procedures. A commissioner cannot independently set gasoline prices or enact new state laws. Local effects would depend on the rules adopted, enforcement and industry activity.
This profile uses the certified ballot and French’s current campaign platform. It omits unsupported endorsements and a proposed international partnership not verified on the current issues page.
The Murphy-Wylie-Sachse Courier did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
